Search Results (154)

Miraruira is a medicinal plant-based product (MPBP) that is widely used in the state of Amazonas for the treatment of diabetes, though its botanical identity remains unclear, which raises concerns about authenticity and therapeutic consistency. One solution to this problem is the use of mass spectrometry-based approaches, which have emerged as powerful tools for verifying botanical origin based on chemical composition. Thus, to confirm the botanical authenticity of miraruira, direct-injection mass spectrometry (DI-MS) and chemometric analyses (PCA and HCA) were conducted on methanol fractions of Salacia impressifolia and Connarus ruber, both suspected sources of miraruira, as well as commercial samples obtained in street markets in Manaus, Brazil. Additionally, the hexane extracts of C. ruber and the commercial samples were screened for benzoquinones using DI-MS, as these compounds are recurrent in the genus Connarus. The DI-MS and PCA analyses revealed distinct chemical profiles for each species, and identified mangiferin and epicatechin as chemical markers for S. impressifolia and C. ruber, respectively. Furthermore, PCA demonstrated that all the commercial samples exhibited chemical profiles closely aligned with C. ruber. However, the HCA indicated variability among these samples, suggesting C. ruber or related Connarus species are the primary sources of miraruira. Moreover, embelin, rapanone, and suberonone were identified as the main compounds in the hexane extracts of C. ruber and the commercial products. This study successfully confirmed the botanical authenticity of miraruira, identified key bioactive compounds related to its traditional use in the treatment of diabetes symptoms, and demonstrated the effectiveness of DI-MS as a valuable tool for addressing authenticity issues in MPBPs. Full article

The ongoing global threat posed by the influenza A virus, exacerbated by antigenic drift and the emergence of antiviral resistance, accentuates the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Through molecular docking, this study revealed that mangiferin has a strong binding affinity for the active site of the neuraminidase (NA) protein of influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09, with a binding energy of −8.1 kcal/mol. In vitro assays confirmed a dose-dependent inhibition of NA, with an IC₅₀ of 88.65 μM, and minimal cytotoxicity, as indicated by a CC₅₀ of 328.1 μM in MDCK cells. In murine models, the administration of mangiferin at a dosage of 25 mg/kg significantly mitigated weight loss, decreased viral loads in nasal turbinates and lungs by over 1 log10 TCID₅₀, and enhanced survival rates from 0% in control groups to 20% in mangiferin-treated group at 14 days post-infection. In addition, mangiferin was found to modulate host immune responses by simultaneously inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and TNF-α, and upregulating the expression of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and antiviral IFN-γ, thus mitigating infection-induced inflammation. Our findings elucidate the dual mechanism of mangiferin involving the direct inhibition of NA and immunomodulation, thereby providing experimental evidence for exploring dual-mechanism-based anti-influenza strategies against resistant strains of influenza. Full article

Mangiferin, a polyphenol derived from Mangifera indica, exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities, positioning it as a promising candidate for applications in medicine. Its potential as an alternative to antibiotics is especially significant in agriculture and medicine, addressing the global demand for non-traditional antibacterial agents. However, its poor water solubility and low bioavailability limit its therapeutic use. Polymeric matrices could be one of the potential approaches to solve these problems, enhancing mangiferin’s bioavailability. Each delivery system exhibits unique properties such as controlled release, prolonged action and organ-specific targeting, in an ideal case each directed to specific diseases and administration routes. While promising in vitro and in vivo results highlight their therapeutic potential, challenges remain in the optimization of the matrix formulations for precise applications. Further research is needed to develop these systems and confirm their efficacy in clinical practice. Full article

The Iris genus is known for its large blooms and significant conservation value, as well as its horticultural appeal. There are over 300 species of irises, which are widely distributed across the northern temperate zone. Iris palaestina (Baker) Barbey, commonly known as the Lebanese iris, is an endemic species of the Middle East with limited prior phytochemical research. This study was conducted to examine the metabolomic complexity and chemical profile of the flower extract of I. palaestina using advanced analytical tools. Molecular networking was employed to investigate its chemotaxonomy and phytochemical composition. In silico annotation tools—network annotation propagation (NAP), DEREPLICATOR, and MS2LDA—were applied to identify chemical classes and substructures within the extract. The flower extract of I. palaestina was found to contain diverse metabolite classes, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and lipids, with a total of 15 compounds annotated. Subsequent chromatographic separation yielded four major compounds, identified as the isoflavonoid irigenin, the flavonoid embinin, the xanthone mangiferin, and the lipid N-lauryldiethanolamine. Among these, irigenin and mangiferin exhibited significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with IC₅₀ values of 32.1 μM and 36.1 μM, respectively. This study provides the first comprehensive metabolomic characterization of I. palaestina, revealing it as a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals spanning multiple metabolite subclasses. These findings emphasize the possible use of I. palaestina for further pharmaceutical investigation and natural product discovery. Full article

Currently, multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are a global problem, which requires modern approaches and effective pharmaceutical agents. Substances isolated from nature sources have a strong potential in combating highly virulent and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, including within the ESKAPE group (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.). One of these substances is mangiferin, the bioactive compound obtained from parts of Mangiferin indica L. Mangiferin has a low aqueous solubility, which causes low activity and requires additional modification or delivery system to increase its concentration in the cell. Many studies show that it has multiple biological effects and can be used as an antioxidant or an anticancer agent, and it can exhibit antibacterial properties. Extracts obtained from plant parts show high efficacy in low doses against the ESKAPE group and other strains. This makes mangiferin a possible candidate as a strong agent against bacterial infections. The mechanisms underlying the action of mangiferin on bacterial cells are poorly understood. This review summarizes studies confirming the antibacterial properties of mangiferin both in its native form and using delivery systems. Full article

Coffee cascara is an underutilized byproduct of coffee processing that has the potential for value-added applications due to its rich phytochemical content and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to characterize the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of coffee cascara sourced from seven geographic regions, and where possible, a variety of farms in different regions. We compared two different extraction methods: hot water/sonication-assisted extraction and methanol–water extraction to generate phytochemical content. The antioxidant capacity of extracts was assessed through different assays. Correlations between phytochemical compounds and different antioxidant activities were analyzed first using Pearson’s correlations and then substantiated further using principal component analysis (PCA). The dominant phytochemicals identified in the extracted coffee cascara included gallic acid, chlorogenic acid isomers, mangiferin, protocatechuic acid and rutin. Among the water-extracted samples, the Brazil sample exhibited the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value, whereas the Zambia sample had the highest 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) value and the Laos sample showed the greatest inhibition of 2′,7′-Dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescence. For methanol extracts, the highest ORAC and ABTS values were from the Indonesia sample, and the Laos sample showed the strongest inhibition of DCFH-DA fluorescence. The results show the distinct phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of coffee cascara according to geographical clustering using PCA. Specifically, gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and to a lesser extent rutin correlated (p < 0.05) with ABTS and DCFH-DA assays. This study revealed significant variation in the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of coffee cascara across different geographic regions; less so with different farms associated with the location. The findings offer evidence for potential upscaling of coffee cascara waste for use in value-added functional food or nutraceutical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: A mango (Mangifera indica) leaf extract (Zynamite^®), rich in the polyphenol mangiferin, has been demonstrated to modulate brain activity, boost cognitive function, and reduce mental fatigue. Research evidence supports that improving the solubility of this extract could significantly enhance its efficacy as an active ingredient. This study examined the effects of a soluble version of Zynamite^®, Zynamite^® S (Zyn-S), on cognitive function and mood in young adults at low doses. Methods: A total of 119 university students were enrolled in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 100 mg, 150 mg, or placebo in a double-blind crossover design. Short- and long-term memory were evaluated using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), executive functions with the Trail Making Test (TMT), processing speed with the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and selective attention with the Stroop Color and Word Test. Additionally, mood was assessed using the Spanish short version of the Profile of Mood States (POMS). All these assessments were conducted before taking the product and at 30 min, 3 h, and 5 h post-intake. Results: The results demonstrated that participants who received Zynamite^® S experienced significant improvements in reduced tension, depression, and confusion, suggesting an enhancement in mental clarity and overall emotional well-being. Both interventions also improved processing speed and cognitive flexibility. However, no significant differences were observed in short- and long-term verbal memory. Conclusions: In summary, these findings support Zynamite^® S as a natural nootropic capable of acutely improving key cognitive functions and emotional balance at low doses in young adults, with sustained efficacy for at least five hours. Full article

Mangiferin, a glucosyl xanthone, is a plant metabolite with promising nootropic and ergogenic properties. However, its poor and inconsistent systemic bioavailability limits its therapeutic potential. Additionally, the pharmacokinetics of mangiferin from mango leaf extract formulations remain uncharacterized in humans. This study validated a UHPLC-MS/MS method and conducted a human pharmacokinetic study approved by an ethics committee. The bioavailability of mangiferin and its monosodium salt was assessed from two standardized mango leaf extracts: MLE60, standardized to 60% mangiferin but practically insoluble in water, and MLES, the water-soluble monosodium salt form, also standardized to 60%. Twelve participants (six females) received oral doses of each extract in a crossover design with a 7-day washout period. Plasma analysis showed significantly higher AUC and C_max values with MLES than MLE60, while T_max and T_1/2 were similar. MLES demonstrated a 2.44-fold increase in AUC_0–24h compared to MLE60 (p = 0.0029 **), indicating improved bioavailability. This study highlights the salification method as a simple strategy to enhance mangiferin bioavailability, enabling broader applications in beverages and other products where solubility is a limitation. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cancer are significant contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent studies have increasingly highlighted the potential of phytochemicals found in plants and plant-based foods for preventing and treating these chronic diseases. Mexico’s agrobiodiversity provides a valuable resource for phytochemistry. This review presents an examination of essential phytochemicals found in plants and foods within Mexican agrobiodiversity that have shown promising anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties, including their roles as antioxidants, insulin sensitizers, and enzyme inhibitors. Notable compounds identified include flavonoids (such as quercetin and catechins), phenolic acids (chlorogenic, gallic, and caffeic acids), methylxanthines (like theobromine), xanthones (such as mangiferin), capsaicinoids (capsaicin), organosulfur compounds (like alliin), and various lipids (avocatins). Although these phytochemicals have shown promise in laboratory and animal studies, there is a significant scarcity of clinical trial data involving humans, underscoring an important area for future research. Full article

Three new acylated benzophenone O-glycosides named aucherosides A–C (4–6), together with five known compounds such as mangiferin (1), maclurin-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), 1-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (3), vanillic acid (7), and 5-hydroxy-2-isopropylchromone-7-O-β-glucoside (8), were isolated from the aerial parts of Hypericum aucheri Jaub. and Spach and identified with spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR, and HRESIMS). Compounds 2, 4–6, 8, and previously isolated from the title plant aucherines A–C (9–11), were tested for hMAO-A and B inhibitory effects and neuroprotection. All tested compounds (1 µM) did not exhibit any inhibitory effect on hMAO-A and showed significant inhibitory activity against the hMAO-B enzyme. Notably, compound 8 demonstrated the strongest hMAO-B inhibition, approaching that of the positive control selegiline. At high concentrations (100 µM), all tested compounds showed no neurotoxic or pro-oxidant effects on rat brain synaptosomes, mitochondria, and microsomes. All tested compounds exhibited good neuroprotective and antioxidant activities in various neurotoxicity models (6-hydroxydopamine-induced neurotoxicity on synaptosomes, tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress on mitochondria, and non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation on microsomes). The neuroprotective mechanisms of these compounds may include MAO-B inhibition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, membrane stabilization, and preservation of reduced glutathione (GSH), the primary nucleophilic ROS scavenger. Full article

The rise in antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections is a major global health concern. The search for natural compounds that inhibit the growth of pathogens is becoming urgent. One such compound is mangiferin, a non-toxic polyphenolic compound derived mainly from Mangifera indica. In addition to antibacterial properties, it exhibits anticancer, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, analgesic and other activities. However, the clinical application of mangiferin is limited by poor solubility and bioavailability. This study describes mangiferin-loaded electrospun nanofibers based on high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid. The nanofibers improve mangiferin delivery and possess favorable morphological characteristics and drug release kinetics, making them promising candidates for effective antibacterial dressings. This study found that an increase in the mangiferin content of the fibers led to an increase in the average diameter of the fibers. It was also found that nanofibers with different mangiferin content have similar release kinetics with an anomalous non-Fickian transport pattern: most of the mangiferin is released within 10–15 min. Full article

This study analyzed the phytochemical composition and functional properties of leaves and green beans from seven Arabica coffee cultivars. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured using spectrophotometric methods, while caffeine, chlorogenic acid (CGA), and mangiferin levels were quantified via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Volatile compounds were identified using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant activity was assessed using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays, and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) levels, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. The results revealed that coffee leaves had significantly higher levels of total phenols, flavonoids, and CGAs, and exhibited stronger antioxidant activities compared to green beans. Notably, Geisha leaves exhibited the highest concentrations of phenolics and flavonoids, along with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Among green beans, the Marsellesa cultivar exhibited a significant flavonoid content and strong ABTS scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects. GC-MS analysis highlighted distinct volatile compound profiles between leaves and green beans, underscoring the phytochemical diversity among cultivars. Multivariate 3D principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated clear chemical differentiation between coffee leaves and beans across cultivars, driven by key compounds such as caffeine, CGAs, and pentadecanoic acid. Hierarchical clustering further supported these findings, with dendrograms revealing distinct grouping patterns for leaves and beans, indicating cultivar-specific chemical profiles. These results underscore the significant chemical and functional diversity across Arabica cultivars, positioning coffee leaves as a promising functional alternative to green beans due to their rich phytochemical content and bioactive properties. Full article

Inflammation in macrophages is exacerbated under hyperglycemic conditions, contributing to chronic inflammation and impaired wound healing in diabetes. This study investigates the potential of mangiferin, a natural polyphenol, to alleviate this inflammatory response by targeting a redox-sensitive transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Mangiferin, a known Nrf2 activator, was evaluated for its ability to counteract the hyperglycemia-induced inhibition of Nrf2 and enhance antioxidant defenses. The protective effects of mangiferin on macrophages in a hyperglycemic environment were assessed by examining the expression of Nrf2, NF-κB, NLRP3, HO-1, CAT, COX-2, IL-6, and IL-10 through gene and protein expression analyses using qPCR and immunoblotting, respectively. The mangiferin-mediated nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was evidenced, leading to a robust antioxidant response in macrophages exposed to a hyperglycemic microenvironment. This activation suppressed NF-κB signaling, reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as COX-2 and IL-6. Additionally, mangiferin decreased NLRP3 inflammasome activation and reactive oxygen species accumulation in hyperglycemia exposed macrophages. Our findings revealed that mangiferin alleviated hyperglycemia-induced reductions in AKT phosphorylation, highlighting its potential role in modulating key signaling pathways. Furthermore, mangiferin significantly enhanced the invasiveness and migration of macrophages in a hyperglycemic environment, indicating its potential to improve wound healing. In conclusion, this study suggests that mangiferin may offer a promising therapeutic approach for managing inflammation and promoting wound healing in diabetic patients by regulating Nrf2 activity in hyperglycemia-induced macrophages. Full article

Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is a clinical–pathological scenario that occurs due to the accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes which is considered a significant cause of liver conditions and contributes to an increased risk of death worldwide. Even though the possible causes of MAFLD can involve the interaction of genetics, hormones, and nutrition, lifestyle (diet and sedentary lifestyle) is the most influential factor in developing this condition. Polyphenols comprise many natural chemical compounds that can be helpful in managing metabolic diseases. Therefore, the aim of this review was to investigate the impact of oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the role of polyphenols in managing MAFLD. Some polyphenols can reverse part of the liver damage related to inflammation, oxidative stress, or mitochondrial dysfunction, and among them are anthocyanin, baicalin, catechin, curcumin, chlorogenic acid, didymin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, luteolin, mangiferin, puerarin, punicalagin, resveratrol, and silymarin. These compounds have actions in reducing plasma liver enzymes, body mass index, waist circumference, adipose visceral indices, lipids, glycated hemoglobin, insulin resistance, and the HOMA index. They also reduce nuclear factor-KB (NF-KB), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), blood pressure, liver fat content, steatosis index, and fibrosis. On the other hand, they can improve HDL-c, adiponectin levels, and fibrogenesis markers. These results show that polyphenols are promising in the prevention and treatment of MAFLD. Full article